A major cyber leak has revealed that Ethiopia secretly signed a contract with Russia’s state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec to purchase six Su-35 multirole fighter jets.
According to documents released online on October 3, 2025, by the hacker collective Black Mirror, over 300 internal Rostec files were accessed — detailing pricing, delivery timelines, and export plans for Sukhoi aircraft. The leaks indicate that the Ethiopian Su-35 deal is already in an advanced production phase, despite international sanctions restricting Russia’s defense exports.
The leaked materials also reference equipment shipments from KRET, Rostec’s subsidiary specializing in electronic warfare and avionics, confirming its involvement in the project. The same dataset lists 48 Su-35s for Iran, 12 Su-57 fifth-generation fighters, and 14 Su-34 strike jets for Algeria.
If confirmed, Ethiopia’s Su-35 purchase would mark its largest fighter acquisition in decades, significantly boosting the Ethiopian Air Force’s air-defense and strike capabilities compared to its aging Su-27 and MiG-23 fleets.
First produced in 2007 and officially entering Russian service in 2014, the Su-35 boasts a 3,600-kilometer range, radar detection up to 400 kilometers, and the ability to carry 8,000 kilograms of armament. Designed for air superiority and precision-strike missions, it features thrust-vectoring engines, advanced radar, and electronic countermeasures.
Despite its advanced performance, the Su-35’s export appeal has remained limited due to high costs — estimated between $85–100 million per unit — and its reduced survivability against modern air defense systems. To date, confirmed foreign operators include China, Algeria, and now, reportedly, Ethiopia.
